Gratitude is a Practice

According to Merriam-Webster, Gratitude is a noun. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Is gratitude just a noun? I have always thought about gratitude as an action. Something we do. It is something to be practiced like yoga and meditation. I am grateful I have added both of these habits into my life over the past few years. Both have enriched my life, but now back to gratitude.

Recently I was introduced to a man who is a World Ambassador for Gratitude and Gratitude Junkie, Chris Palmore. Chris is the CEO of Gratitude Space. He has devoted his life to exploring gratitude, practicing gratitude, defining gratitude, and just about any way to grow and expand gratitude practices globally. You might even say he is addicted to gratitude. He does call himself a Gratitude Junkie. Every day we hear of the devastation left in the wake of addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances. If you are going to be hooked on something, gratitude is a healthier choice. Gratitude will positively impact your life, and the lives of those around you.

Chris recently released a new book about gratitude. My friend, mentor, and enthusiastic supporter, Bobby Kountz, encouraged me to get a copy and read it. He expressed that Chris was selling it for only .99 cents for his birthday. How cool is this? At the time, the book was released only on Kindle. I opened up Todd’s Amazon account. (I don’t have an Amazon account. I lost mine a few years ago, but that is a story for another post.) The book is titled The Mechanics of Gratitude. I decided at that moment to order 20 copies to give away. I sent them to my accountability partners, coworkers, and a few close friends that I know are readers. I was channeling my inner Oprah. You get a book, and you get a book. A book for everyone.

I ordered the books on December 30th. I sent the link to friends, but I didn’t start reading. I was in the middle of another book that I wanted to complete first. I set a goal to read 52 books in 2022, and I wanted The Mechanics of Gratitude to be one of them. For many, finishing 52 books in a year would be a walk in the park. For others,  it would be a lofty accomplishment. As a Mom, caregiver, and employee, I fall in the latter category. I was hopeful that my friends would accept the link and read it. Having read Chris’ book Dear 2020: Letters to a Year That Changed Everything, I knew the book would open the recipients to looking at gratitude through a fresh lens.

The next day I received a call from my dear friend and accountability partner, Patti. She called to tell me she had already finished the book. Patti expressed that she loved the book. It is a book she will add to the library of books she reads again. Well, this is high praise. Patti is an avid reader and life-long learner. She also has a strong and consistent daily gratitude practice. Patti practices gratitude as a verb, not a noun. This added to my anticipation and excitement. It was New Year’s Eve, and we had family plans tonight. My reading would have to wait.

New Year’s Day was packed with plans, and no reading was happening in the Short house. Once I got Emily tucked into bed, I settled in for a read. I cracked open my iPad and got after it. The Mechanics of Gratitude is different from Chris’ last book. This one is not a collection of letters or anthologies. While it includes quotes and stories told by Chris, the book is a deep dive study of gratitude. Chris goes below surface examples and definitions. It is a reference book on gratitude. A gratitude guidebook.

Chris writes: “I’ve spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on the mechanics of gratitude, and, as I experienced and understood it, it can be categorized in terms of how it is learned, felt, and expressed.” This is where the magic in this book resides. It is an in-depth journey into five categories of gratitude.

I consider myself someone who applies gratitude in my life daily. I have a solid gratitude practice. The Mechanics of Gratitude challenged me to explore and expand my practice. I notice I am more intentional. Always looking for ways to apply gratitude and find gratitude in any event or experience. It is a great way to challenge my brain to seek opportunities for growth in my practice.

The impact of this book will continue to influence my actions. As I write this, I am delighted and grateful that the book is now in print! Once I put this post to bed, I will head over to Todd’s Amazon account to purchase a copy. I want this book in my toolbox. Consider adding it to yours.

Note:  I want to extend gratitude to those that read my blog and take the time to leave a comment. The first 20 people to leave a comment, and a clap if you enjoyed this, I will send you a digital copy of The Mechanics of Gratitude. I will need your email address (you can follow my blog or send me a DM on Instagram). I extend this offer until my next post drops on 2/8/22 at 11:11 am PST. 

“No one ever became poor by giving.”- Anne Frank